VP Kamala Harris Agrees To Debate Trump On ABC But Won’t Commit To More

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has agreed to participate in a debate with former President Donald Trump, promising what is expected to be a highly watched event.

However, she has only committed to one debate after Trump proposed three, expressing openness to more only after the initial debate takes place.

As she was preparing to board Air Force Two in Michigan, a reporter asked her, “President Trump had a press conference today. He talked about a lot of things. Wondering if you have a reaction to what he talked about.”

“I’m pleased that he’s finally agreed to a debate on September 10th. I’m eager for it and hope he follows through,” Harris responded.

When the reporter asked, “Are you open to more debates?” Harris replied, “I am willing to discuss additional debates after September 10th, absolutely.”

The reporter continued, “He proposed two more — two more debates,” but Harris remained noncommittal.

“Like I said, I’m happy to have that discussion,” she reiterated.

When asked, “Why do you think he pulled out of the debate with you? Why do you think he’s…” Harris cut in, “I am beyond trying to speculate about how he thinks.”

Trump has requested three debates to be aired on three different networks.

“I believe debates are crucial, and we’ve agreed with Fox for a September 4 date. We’ve come to a tentative agreement with NBC for September 10, and we’re set with ABC for September 25,” Trump announced at a press event.

The campaign later clarified that the debates are indeed scheduled for September 4 with Fox News, September 10 with ABC, and September 25 with NBC.

“The other side has to agree to the terms. They might agree, or they might not. I’m not sure if they will. (Harris) hasn’t done an interview. She’s barely capable of it. She’s barely competent, and she can’t do an interview. I’m looking forward to the debates because it’s important to set the record straight,” Trump added.

Before Trump confirmed his participation in the ABC debate, Harris’s campaign communications director, Michael Tyler, was also noncommittal about additional debates.

“The Vice President will participate in the ABC debate, taking the chance to address a prime-time national audience,” he said. “We’re open to discussing further debates after the one that both campaigns have already agreed upon.”

When speaking with NBC News on Thursday, Harris still wouldn’t commit to any debates beyond the one with ABC.

“I’m eager to debate Donald Trump, and we’ve set the date for September 10th. I hear he’s finally committed to it, and I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

Trump initially looked forward to his second debate with Biden on ABC, which he accepted in May. However, he later hinted that he might skip it after Biden essentially passed the torch to Harris, despite her poor performance in the 2020 Democratic primaries and Biden receiving all the primary votes this year.

ABC News has announced that David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the upcoming debate.

After a campaign event in Michigan on Thursday, Harris briefly addressed reporters, mentioning that her team is working on scheduling her first full press conference since Biden effectively endorsed her as the party’s nominee.

An insider from Harris’s team said on Thursday night that the vice president isn’t opposed to more debates, as reported by ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang.